Council campaign welcomes safety measures installed at major junction

Published: 4 December 2018

Pedestrian and cyclist safety at a major junction has been boosted after a passionate local campaign led by Redbridge Council.

TfL has undertaken major improvements for vulnerable roads users at Charlie Brown’s roundabout, including five new signal-controlled pedestrian and cycle crossings on all arms of the roundabout, wider footpaths and measures to slow down traffic.

The project at the South Woodford junction, one of the borough’s busiest, was completed at the weekend after five months of work.

Charlie Brown’s, which is part of TfL’s Safer Junctions programme, had not been updated since it was first built making it a hostile environment for pedestrians and cyclists trying to cross the junction.

TfL gave the go ahead for the scheme at the end of 2017 following consultation earlier in the year.

Cabinet Member for Civic Pride Cllr John Howard said: “This was an accident blackspot so it’s great news that this urgently required upgrade work has been completed. We have campaigned tirelessly alongside our residents to ensure that the roundabout is made safer for the pedestrians and cyclists that use it. We are committed to better road safety and this is another example of the council listening to our community and helping deliver what they need, want and deserve.”

Penny Rees, TfL’s Head of Network Sponsorship, said: “Reducing danger to the most vulnerable road users is our top priority and improvements at Charlie Brown’s roundabout, along with other junctions across London, are essential for our Vision Zero goal of eliminating death and serious injury from London’s roads. The newly built signalised pedestrian and cycle crossings and wider pavements will make walking and cycling in the area safer and easier, and enable more people in Redbridge to make journeys on foot or by cycle, reducing congestion and improving air quality.”